The decision of the Australian Capital Territory Government to provide an additional 1,780 Skilled Capital places in coming weeks across 73 qualifications and 38 skills sets has been welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the higher education, vocational education, training and skill s sectors.
"The decision to make available these new places in areas including health care and aging support.
tourism, retai l and hospitality, and qualifications in community services will be vital to supporting the community as it recovers from the Covid -19 crisis," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
According to ITECA, it is significant that the Australian Capital Ter ritory Government has recognised the important role of independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
"It's great that the ACT Government has recognise d that it's the independent sector that does the heavy -lifting when it comes to skills trainin g and right now these training providers are doing it tough. The decision of the ACT Government to provide funding to independent providers recognises the importance of supporting these ITECA members today so that we retain the sector's capacity t o deliver training and skills into the future," Mr Williams said.
ITECA has welcomed the high levels of engagement in recent times with the Australian Capital Territory Government on this issue.
"ITECA members share the ambition of the ACT Government to ensure that students have access to the highest quality training. That we are able to work together towards this goal highlights what can be done when government and the independent vocational edu cation and training sector cooperate," Mr Williams said.
The ACT Government will provide details on the allocation of the 1,780 Skilled Capital places in coming weeks.
According to the 2019 ITECA State of the Sector Report, independent RTO's support more t han 70% of the 52,700 students in vocational education and training across the Australian Capital Territory.
